Tracey’s Hoedown on 13 May was a sell-out success. Generous Franschhoekers and their friends took up all the seats at the fund-raising barn dance held to raise funds for the Franschhoek Theatre. This theatre will open in the renovated and re-purposed Centenary Library of Franschhoek High School and will serve as a multi-purpose venue, including movie screenings and day conferences, while also housing the school archive.
Bales of hay, pitch forks, long tables with lamps, candles and colourful tablecloths transformed the barn at Tracey Kirsten’s Burgundy Bourgogne Farm into a venue fit for a Nashville bash. Local band Uncorked soon enticed revellers onto the dance floor next to strategically placed pumpkins to protect electronic gear. The band incorporated some country songs into their repertoire for the occasion and particular appreciation was shown for an excellent rendition of Loslappie by Doug Gurr who is after all an English vocalist. The country numbers were perfect for the visiting Bootscooters who took to the floor to demonstrate, and teach the willing crowd, how line dancing is done. Dancing talent and potential were rewarded intermittently with prizes of bubbly and vouchers for line dancing classes.
The supper of hamburgers, chips and doughnuts fitted the country theme that was well illustrated by the crowd’s boots, scarves and hats. It was however the Red Indian that walked off with the best-dressed prize. He then led everyone in a rain dance, the results of which did not seem to have an immediately effect on meteorology. An auction of items which included an airplane flip over Franschhoek, an over-night outing to The Small Robertson Hotel with lunch on the Bree River, and a classic car drive to a wine-tasting and lunch at Anthonij Rupert Wyne and L’Ormarins, elicited brisk bidding.
The organisers are most appreciative of the support shown and funds raised at the hoedown. It means they can start work on the Centenary Library at the school as soon as all permissions are in place. The school will not only once again have a well organised archive, but the Franschhoek Theatre will be ready to screen movies and host events – an eagerly-awaited and welcome addition to village life.
At the time of going to press the final number crunching had not been completed, but the organisers say that they have a good feeling.
